Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly stated that President William Ruto will bear the responsibility if ODM Leader Raila Odinga’s entry into the government causes any issues. Speaking on Sunday, Gachagua emphasized that Raila did not invite himself into the government, hence any problems arising from his involvement would be the President’s responsibility.
Gachagua’s comments come amidst ongoing discussions and speculations about Raila Odinga’s role in the current administration. The Deputy President was clear in his stance that Raila should not be blamed if his entry leads to any complications. “I want to say this, even if Raila comes and becomes a menace to us, we cannot question him because he did not bring himself to government,” Gachagua stated.
He further explained that any discontent from the people of Mt. Kenya regarding Raila’s presence in the government would be directed at President Ruto. “In the event anything bad happens from Raila coming into government and the people of Mt Kenya are not happy, we will question President William Ruto because he is the one who has brought Raila in,” Gachagua added.
Ruto’s Rationale for Including Raila
Despite potential concerns, Gachagua mentioned that President Ruto had discussed his reasons for collaborating with Raila. According to the Deputy President, Ruto’s decision was driven by a desire to foster cooperation between the Executive and the Opposition. Gachagua expressed his belief in the President’s rationale, stating, “I will believe that because I have not seen any signs that things are going wrong.”
Moreover, Gachagua highlighted that Raila’s support for the ‘one man one shilling one vote’ mantra aligns with the interests of the Mt. Kenya region. He described Raila as an ally in this regard, noting, “Any man who supports this mantra is not my enemy and an enemy of the people of Mt. Kenya because that is someone who wants the best for us.”
Raila’s Support for Equitable Resource Distribution
Raila Odinga has been vocal about his support for fair resource distribution across Kenya. Addressing journalists in June 2024, Raila affirmed his commitment to the ‘one man one vote one shilling’ model, emphasizing that its essence had been misinterpreted by many. He clarified that the model aims to ensure equitable resource allocation for all Kenyans, regardless of their region.
“One of the points that was discussed extensively during the deliberations in Limuru is the issue of resource sharing. Somehow this thing has been misrepresented as if it is discriminating parts of our country,” Raila explained. He stressed the importance of fair resource distribution, saying, “We want to ensure that every Kenyan gets a fair share of resources. This is what it is. It cannot be right that some children should get more money as bursaries than other children in other parts of the country.”
Endorsements from Key Leaders
Gachagua acknowledged the positive endorsements of Raila from former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Ruto. Both leaders have described Raila as a good man, which has influenced Gachagua’s perspective. “Uhuru Kenyatta told us Raila is a good man, President Ruto is saying he is a good man. Ever since I saw and understood this trend, I have not been against him because any man who supports the one man one vote one shilling mantra is not an enemy,” the Deputy President remarked.
Conclusion
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent remarks underscore the delicate balance within the current Kenyan government. By placing the responsibility on President Ruto for any potential issues arising from Raila’s involvement, Gachagua has set clear expectations. As Raila continues to advocate for fair resource distribution, the dynamics within the government will be closely watched by the public and political analysts alike.
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